DALLAS, TEXAS — The Dallas Mavericks are bringing back a familiar face. Veteran guard Dennis Smith Jr. is heading back to where his NBA journey began, agreeing to a one-year deal, according to his agent Daniel Hazan of Hazan Sports Management.
Smith, originally drafted ninth overall by the Mavericks in 2017, is expected to compete for a roster spot during training camp. His return marks a full-circle moment for the 26-year-old, who showed flashes of explosive athleticism and playmaking during his rookie season in Dallas before being traded midway through his second year.
The move gives Dallas added backcourt depth and a defensive-minded guard who’s carved out a niche with his energy, perimeter defense, and ability to push the pace. After stints with the Knicks, Pistons, Blazers, Hornets, and most recently the Nets, Smith now gets another shot with the team that initially believed in his potential.
Training camp in Dallas just got a bit more interesting.
